Ecological Succession: Change is Good Quizizz

What is ecological succession?

• The process of organisms adapting to their environment

• The gradual change in species composition of an ecosystem over time

• The extinction of all species in an ecosystem

• The immediate recovery of an ecosystem after a disturbance

Answer explanation

Ecological succession refers to the gradual change in species composition of an ecosystem over time, as different species colonize and replace one another, leading to a more stable community.

What type of succession occurs in a lifeless area after a major disturbance, like an asteroid impact?

• Secondary succession

• Primary succession

• Tertiary succession

• Quaternary succession

Answer explanation

Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas, such as those created by an asteroid impact, where soil and organisms must develop from scratch. In contrast, secondary succession happens in areas where soil and some life already exist.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of primary succession?

• Begins in a barren landscape

• Takes a long time to develop

• Involves the rebuilding of soil

• Occurs after small disturbances

Answer explanation

Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas, starting from bare rock or soil. It does not involve small disturbances; that is characteristic of secondary succession, which occurs in areas where soil and life already exist.

What are pioneer species?

• The first organisms to colonize a barren area

• Species that dominate a climax community

• Organisms that live in water

• Animals that migrate to new habitats

Answer explanation

Pioneer species are the first organisms to colonize barren areas, such as after a volcanic eruption or glacial retreat. They play a crucial role in ecosystem development by creating conditions for other species to thrive.

Why are disturbances important for ecosystems?

• They destroy habitats

• They create opportunities for new species to thrive

• They prevent any changes in the ecosystem

• They ensure that only one species can survive

Answer explanation

Disturbances are crucial for ecosystems as they create opportunities for new species to thrive. They promote biodiversity by allowing different species to establish themselves, rather than preventing changes or favoring a single species.

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What is secondary succession?

• The process of species returning after a major extinction

• The recovery of an ecosystem after a minor disturbance

• The establishment of a new ecosystem in a barren area

• The extinction of species in an ecosystem

Answer explanation

Secondary succession refers to the recovery of an ecosystem after a minor disturbance, such as a fire or flood, where soil and some organisms remain, allowing for quicker regrowth compared to primary succession.

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Which of the following is an example of a small disturbance?

• A volcanic eruption

• A tree falling in the forest

• An asteroid impact

• A glacier melting

Answer explanation

A tree falling in the forest is a small disturbance compared to the other options, which involve large-scale events like volcanic eruptions, asteroid impacts, and glacier melting.

What does the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis suggest?

• More severe disturbances lead to more biodiversity

• No disturbances are best for ecosystems

• Moderate disturbances promote higher biodiversity

• Only primary succession leads to biodiversity

Answer explanation

The Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis posits that moderate disturbances create opportunities for diverse species to thrive, thus promoting higher biodiversity compared to environments with no or severe disturbances.

How does biodiversity relate to ecosystem stability?

• More biodiversity leads to less stability

• Biodiversity has no effect on stability

• Greater biodiversity generally increases stability

• Stability decreases with more biodiversity

Answer explanation

Greater biodiversity generally increases stability because diverse ecosystems can better withstand environmental changes and disturbances. More species contribute to a variety of functions, enhancing resilience and overall ecosystem health.

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What role does stochasticity play in ecological succession?

• It guarantees a predictable outcome

• It introduces randomness and variability

• It prevents any changes from occurring

• It ensures that climax communities are stable

Answer explanation

Stochasticity introduces randomness and variability in ecological succession, affecting species composition and community dynamics. This unpredictability can lead to different outcomes, making ecosystems more resilient and diverse.